Miyamoto Called This Classic Zelda Game "Mario-ish," & It Actually Makes Perfect Sense

Out of the countless games released by Nintendo over the years, few have had the same generational impact as both the Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda franchises. It might not seem like there’s much connection between Mario’s simple but addictive gameplay structure and Zelda‘s narrative and puzzles on the surface, but one entry in the series borrowed more than a few iconic enemies. As if there weren’t enough comparisons already, even Nintendo’s own Shigeru Miyamoto draws a comparison between one Zelda game and Mario‘s adventures.

Although Miyamoto might be moving away from some Nintendo projects after his absence from Mario Kart World’s credits, his influence on the direction of the company can’t be understated. While some of Miyamoto’s quotes have been misattributed over the years, there are still plenty of hidden details or influential statements throughout his past interviews. Spme of the older quotes can be hard to find, but a relatively recent translation of an older interview with Miyamoto sheds more light on the development behind one iconic TLOZ game.

Miyamoto Said Link’s Awakening Would Be Mario-ish

Drawing Comparisons Between The Two Games Long Before Fans

According to a 1993 Super Mario All-Star Guide Book, translated by Brando from SourceGaming, Miyamoto went on to describe how“the upcoming Zelda title for Game Boy will be ‘Mario-ish'”, speaking in reference to The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. After both the release of the original Link’s Awakening and the previous Super Mario Bros. 3, it’s not hard to see where Miyamoto and his team drew their similarities from between the two franchises.

In the same interview, Miyamoto went on to briefly describe the formula of a Mario Bros. game as more than just playing as the iconic character, emphasizing how players engage with unique gameplay concepts to find creative solutions. If a game that didn’t depict the character visually could make it so “the player feels like they’re Mario“, that would be “incredible.” With The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening referred to as a parody of the Zelda series, the iconic Game Boy title was a perfect fit to take advantage of a less serious style of adventure game, like Mario Bros.

Link’s Awakening Has Plenty Of Mario Inspiration

It’s Not Hard To See Mario’s DNA In Link’s Awakening

Link’s Awakening went on to inspire Ocarina of Time‘s release, and it provided an experimental story and gameplay loop that still help it feel like a distinct entry in the ever-growing franchise. Combined with a twist ending that feels directly inspired by the 5-year-prior release of Super Mario Bros. 3, which featured the unique premise of being a stage play rather than an actual adventure, the dreamy nature of Link’s Awakening is much more game-like than a traditional Zelda title.

Link from Link's Awakening with a shocked expression on his face.

The Worst Part Of Link’s Awakening Actually Has Me Excited For Zelda’s Future

The dungeon maker in Link’s Awakening is frustrating, yet it could be the starting point for an exciting new direction for the Zelda series.

Even without looking at the grander gameplay concepts that make Link’s Awakening so great, there are plenty of direct references and mechanics borrowed straight from a Mario Bros. adventure. From enemies like the Chain Chomp to entire side-scrolling levels filled with Goomba-stomping action, Link’s Awakening isn’t afraid to wear its Mario Bros. inspirations on its sleeve.

Source: SourceGaming